A round-up of the latest Liverpool news as the Reds table an opening bid for a new manager target but Anfield chiefs harbour a ‘fear’ for Jurgen Klopp’s potential heir.
Darren Bent feels Liverpool would be a ‘big jump’ for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil
Darren Bent feels replacing Jurgen Klopp as the manager of Liverpool would be a ‘big jump’ for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil. But he sees a potential upside in appointing the 40-year-old as he previously worked for the Reds. O’Neil began his coaching career on Merseyside in 2020.
Liverpool gifted O’Neil his first taste of life in a dugout with their Under-23s a year after the former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and West Ham United star retired from playing. The ex-midfielder also stayed until AFC Bournemouth hired O’Neil as an assistant in February 2021.
His time on the south coast ultimately paved the way for O’Neil to become a first-team head coach, as well. He replaced Scott Parker in charge at Dean Court on an initial interim basis in August 2022. O’Neil also took over full-time in November 2022 yet was fired in June 2023.
Wolves have since relished Bournemouth’s decision after hiring O’Neil last August. Now, the Englishman has been touted as a possible replacement for Klopp at Liverpool. But Bent does not feel the Old Gold gaffer now returning to Merseyside next season would be an easy task.
“He was there, part of the academy staff, wasn’t he? So, he knows the club well,” Bent said on talkSPORT. “I do think that’s a big jump. He hasn’t been in management that long, so he is still a novice. Going to one of the biggest clubs in the world? Ooof.”
Read more about what Bent has had to say about O’Neil potentially replacing Klopp, here.
Arne Slot eyes a role at Liverpool for his Feyenoord assistant, Sipke Hulshoff
Liverpool have now identified Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as their preferred candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp. That is according to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, who reports that Slot is even already eying a place in the Liverpool coaching staff for his No2, Sipke Hulshoff.
Slot is prepared to bring Hulshoff to Anfield if Liverpool find an agreement for his move with Feyenoord. Talks are ongoing between the clubs as Klopp will leave Anfield this summer. Slot has been in charge at De Kuip since July 2021, and they have even just won the KNVB Beker.
Yet 1908.nl, which also reports Slot’s intentions for Hulshoff, notes Feyenoord have rejected Liverpool’s opening offer. The Reds put a deal on the table on Wednesday morning to make him Klopp’s replacement. But De Kuip chiefs are keen to get €15m (£13m) in compensation.
Hulshoff has been beside Slot in the Feyenoord dugout since July 2022, as well. Slot moved the 49-year-old Dutchman into his backroom staff having been the manager of Feyenoord’s Under-21s since July 2021. Hulshoff has even been coaching in some capacity since 1999.
Ronald Koeman also named Hulshoff as his assistant coach for the Netherlands’ senior side in January 2023. Hulshoff works with Koeman during the international breaks and with Slot during the domestic campaign. Both roles are Hulshoff’s most high-profile positions to date.
Read more about Slot’s plans for Hulshoff in his potential coaching staff at Liverpool, here.
Liverpool ‘fear’ Bayern Munich or Barcelona could beat them to Arne Slot
Liverpool ‘fear’ Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona may fight them over appointing Feyenoord manager Arne Slot. That is according to Mark Ogden, who has told BBC Radio 5 Live that the Reds have made Slot a ‘serious’ target but dread Der FCB and the Blaugrana forging a battle.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also in the market for managers to replace Thomas Tuchel and Xavi Hernandez. Der FCB fired Tuchel in February but he will stay in charge for the rest of this season. Xavi will also stay until the summer after he resigned at Camp Nou in January.
Liverpool are keen to appoint Slot as they admire his style of play and personality. The Reds also feel the Feyenoord boss could work within their system and not upset the apple cart if he replaces Klopp. But they do not have a deal in place to spark fears a rival may also move.
Read more about what Liverpool ‘fear’ as the Reds try to appoint Slot, here.
